49ers, J.J. Wilcox In Talks
[UPDATE: Wilcox backed out of his deal with the 49ers in order to sign with the Jets.]
Safety J.J. Wilcox is signing a one-year deal with the 49ers, a source tells Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Financial terms of the deal are not yet known. 
Wilcox, 27, was initially set to spend the 2017 season with the Buccaneers, but they shipped him to the Steelers after signing T.J. Ward in September. He played in 12 games with Pittsburgh, but he ultimately was unable to carve out a role in the secondary or on special teams. By the end of the year, he wound up as a healthy scratch due to his tendency to commit penalties while on special teams. All in all, he finished out with 12 tackles in 12 games.
With the Niners, he’ll try to clean up his special teams play and push to make the team as a backup to Jimmie Ward and Jaquiski Tartt. One backup safety spot is already locked up by third-round pick Tarvarius Moore, but the competition is fairly open after that.
Jets Rookie TE Chris Herndon Arrested
Jets rookie tight end Chris Herndon was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated early Saturday morning in New Jersey, according to the Miami Herald. The 22-year-old was driving a Nissan Armada when he rammed into the back of a Toyota FJ-40 Land Cruiser, totaling it, and also crashing into a railroad car and its attached trailer, the Miami Herald confirmed with New Jersey State Police spokesman, Jeff Flynn.
“The case remains
under investigation,” Flynn said to the Miami Herald. “Mr. Herndon was arrested and charged with DWI. The DWI charge is considered a violation of New Jersey motor vehicle statutes.”
The Jets selected Herndon in the fourth round of this year’s draft out of Miami and signed him to his rookie deal last month.
“We are aware of the situation and have no further comment at this time,” a Jets spokesperson said to ESPN’s Rich Cimini.
New Jersey State Police spokesman Lawrence Peele confirmed to Cimini that Herndon was driving over the legal alcohol limit per results of a breathalyzer test, though the results were not released. Herndon was handcuffed at the scene and reportedly suffered minor injuries.
Herndon caught 40 passes for 477 yards and four touchdowns last season at Miami and was the team’s second-leading receiver. He missed the final two games of Miami’s season after undergoing surgery to repair a ligament in his left knee. He had recently been cleared to practice fully, per Cimini.
Cimini also noted this is the sixth Jets player in the last 13 months to be arrested and the third for drunken driving. Per Roster Resource, Herndon is currently projected as the Jets’ third-string tight end, with Eric Tomlinson and Clive Walford slotted ahead of him.
49ers Great Dwight Clark Dies At 61
San Francisco 49ers great Dwight Clark died at the age of 61 on Tuesday after a battle with ALS, his wife, Kelly, announced Monday (on Twitter). Clark, who was selected to two Pro Bowls and won two Super Bowl titles in his nine-year career with the 49ers, announced in March 2017 that he had been diagnosed with ALS. 
Following his retirement, the 49ers retired Clark’s No. 87. He then went on to serve as the general manager and director of football operations for the Cleveland Browns from 1999-2002.
The one-time All-Pro grew to fame after hauling in one of the most famous catches in NFL history, leaping to bring in a six-yard touchdown pass in the final minute of the NFC Championship game in the 1981 playoffs to lead the 49ers to a win over the Cowboys. The play would go on to be known as “The Catch” as the 49ers went on to defeat the Bengals in Super Bowl XVI.
The 49ers released a statement following the announcement of Clark’s death:
“The San Francisco 49ers family has suffered a tremendous loss today with the passing of Dwight Clark. We extend our condolences and prayers to Dwight’s wife, Kelly, his family, friends and fans, as we join together to mourn the death of one the most beloved figures in 49ers history.”
Former and current players from around the league, including Clark’s former teammate, Jerry Rice, and Bay Area native, Tom Brady, also passed along their condolences. Clark was originally drafted by the 49ers in 10th round of the 1979 NFL Draft out of Clemson.
This Date In Transactions History: Colin Kaepernick
In the 2014 offseason, quarterback Colin Kaepernick had been coming off back-to-back seasons in which he led the 49ers to the postseason. That also included a trip to Super Bowl XLVII when they 49ers lost to the Ravens.
It’s fair to see why the 49ers saw Kaepernick as their quarterback of the future and decided to ink him to a six-year contract extension worth up to $126MM in total, $54MM in potential guarantees and $13MM in full guarantees.
The now-30-year-old would not lead the 49ers to the postseason again following the extension and started all 16 regular season games just once before opting out of his contract following the 2016 season. The 49ers had taken Kaepernick in the second round of the 2011 draft out of Nevada.
Kaepernick has yet to suit up with an NFL team since appearing in 12 games and starting 11 with the 49ers in 2016. After Jim Tomsula took over for Jim Harbaugh as the 49ers’ head coach in 2015, Kaepernick was benched eight games into the season in favor of Blaine Gabbert.
Since his release and subsequent free agency, Kaepernick has filed a grievance against the NFL, alleging that owners from around the league colluded to keep him unsigned. The reported collusion stems from his protest of social inequalities in the United States, which included kneeling for the national anthem.
Between the 2012 and ’13 seasons, Kaepernick threw for 21 touchdowns and rushed for nine touchdowns while throwing just 11 interceptions. The team also went 17-6 in the regular season with him as a starter. From 2014-16, Kaepernick was unable to lead the team to a record better than 8-8, including 10 interceptions in 2014 alone.
The 49ers have appeared to find another “quarterback of the future” after signing Jimmy Garoppolo to a five-year deal worth up to $137.5MM deal, which was the largest annual salary in NFL history at the time. The $90MM guaranteed in the first three years of his deal still stands as an NFL record.
Minor NFL Transactions: 6/4/18
Today’s minor moves:
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: WR Taj Williams
- Waived: TE Jake Roh
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: G Norman Price
Detroit Lions
- Signed: TE Wes Saxton
- Waived: DB Raysean Pringle
New York Giants
- Signed: TE Garrett Dickerson
- Waived: CB Mike Jones, DB Jeremiah McKinnon, WR Keeon Johnson
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: TE Ryan Malleck, OL Bryce Harris
- Placed on IR: OT Jerald Hawkins, TE Jake McGee
San Francisco 49ers
- Waived: DB Trovon Reed
NFC Notes: OBJ, Eagles, Seahawks, 49ers
Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham missed his fourth straight day of OTAs on Monday, per Ryan Dunleavy of NJ Advanced Media. Beckham attended the team’s first three workouts but has missed every once since, with just three minicamp practices remaining this offseason.
The development could point to a potential training camp holdout for Beckham as he’s entering the final season of his rookie deal. Beckham has stated his intention of being the highest paid wide receiver in the league, meaning he’d make in excess of $17MM per year.
The Giants are scheduled to hold a mandatory three-day minicamp from June 12-14. If Beckham is once again a no-show, he can be fined approximately $70,000. Giants coach Pat Shurmur said that Beckham is nearing clearance to return to full-time practice duties following ankle surgery last season, which caused him to miss the final 11 games of the year. Beckham has been limited to limited individual running and catching drills in practice thus far.
Beckham is slated to make $8.45 MM next season a part of the fifth-year option from his rookie deal. He’s yet to speak with the media since the Giants reportedly shopped him around in trade talks in March.
Here’s more from around the NFC
- Seahawks offensive lineman Duane Brown told members of the Seattle media, including Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times (on Twitter), that there isn’t an update in regard to a contract extension with the Seahawks. Condotta noted that Brown said he’s confident a deal will get done, though. Brown was acquired by the Seahawks from the Texans in October of last year. The 32-year-old, four-time Pro Bowler is slated to make $9.75MM in 2018, which is the final year of his deal.
- Elliot Shorr-Parks of NJ Advanced Media points out that due to the Eagles releasing Mychal Kendricks with a post-June 1 designation, they earned an additional amount of cap space. They currently stand at $6.1MM in available cap space, which will roll over into 2019. The Eagles had previously had just $94,000 in cap space, which ranked as the lowest in the NFL. Kendricks officially signed with the Browns on Monday.
- Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said that reports of him seeking out-clauses and options on his contract to stay in control of his deal are just “conjecture,” per Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “It’s kind of a slow period for football right now and we’re heading into the summer, and there’s not much to talk about unless somebody gets arrested or injured in the offseason or something happens on the Fourth of July,” Rodgers said, via Silverstein. “That’s usually the stories we get now until training camp. I don’t have anything to report at this point.”
Browns Sign LB Mychal Kendricks
The Browns have agreed to a deal with veteran linebacker Mychal Kendricks, according to his agent, Doug Hendrickson (on Twitter). Kendricks and the Browns agreed to a one-year, $3.5 MM pact, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.
Kendricks was released by the Eagles last month after reportedly refusing to take a pay cut of $4.5MM. He has spent the last six seasons with the Eagles and visited with the Vikings and Raiders, along with the Browns. The Eagles took Kendricks in the second round of the 2012 draft. Kendricks’ brother, Eric, was a second-round choice of the Vikings in 2015 as a linebacker as well.
The 27-year-old is expected to report to the Browns’ OTAs on Tuesday, per Cabot. He’ll compete for a starting spot in the 4-3 scheme of Browns defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, with 2017 Pro-Bowler Joe Schobert, Jamie Collins and Christian Kirksey. Jordan Schultz of Yahoo Sports reported late last week that Kendricks was expected to immediately assume a starting role with the Browns.
Kendricks appeared in 15 games last season, starting 13, and racked up 75 tackles. He also logged 16 tackles in the postseason amid the Eagles’ run to their first-ever Super Bowl title. Pro Football Focus rated Kendricks as the No. 9 linebacker in the NFL.
The Eagles had shopped Kendricks around before his May release but were unable to move him during or prior to the draft. Kendricks had also requested a trade in the 2016 offseason after diminished playing time in 2015 and ’16 but was pressed into action last season after a season-ending Achilles injury to Jordan Hicks.
Patriots Notes: Marsh, Hightower, Brady
Recent comments by former Patriots defensive end Cassius Marsh are an indicator of today’s way of thinking amongst NFL players, Ben Volin of The Boston Globe writes. Marsh slammed coach Bill Belichick for taking the fun out of football in his continued quest for more championships. It seems that the “Patriot Way” is passé and not in alignment with the goals of those on the field.
One NFL agent with 20+ years of experience told Volin that about “15% to 25%” of players truly care about winning a Super Bowl. Those at the top of the pay scale, like Tom Brady and Matt Ryan, play solely to win. The rest, however, are looking to secure their own paydays.
“1. Money. 2. Money. 3. Money. 4. Money. 5. Money,” the agent said when asked to rank the top priorities of most NFL players. “Most players don’t like win-at-all-cost, my-way-or-the-highway places. I’ve had multiple guys turn down the Patriots.”
Here’s more from New England:
- The Patriots didn’t select a linebacker until the fifth round of the NFL draft, but the return of Dont’a Hightower could prove to be the team’s biggest “addition” this offseason, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com writes. Hightower missed the second half of the 2017 season with a torn pectoral muscle and still isn’t a full-go in practice, but he is with the team during OTAs helping the other players in his unit. The Pats also opted against signing a veteran linebacker this offseason, so Hightower’s recovery will be key to the team’s success on defense this year. Thanks to the four-year, $33.5MM contract Hightower signed with the Patriots in March of 2017, he’s under club control through 2020.
- There has been much discussion about Brady’s absence from OTAs, but his teammates do not seem fazed by it, as Volin writes. “I think he knows what to do,” quarterback Brian Hoyer said. “I don’t think we’re worried about distractions here. I think everybody here knows how to handle himself and worry about what we got to do individually, and then collectively as a team. So I don’t think so.” On Monday, Brady was spotted at the Patriots’ fantasy camp for fans, a good indicator that he’ll be on hand for practice on Tuesday.
Browns Sign RB Nick Chubb
The Browns have signed rookie Nick Chubb, according to a tweet from the running back’s agency. As dictated by his slot, Chubb will receive a four-year deal worth about $7.4MM with a $3.45MM signing bonus. He’ll carry a modest cap number of $1.342MM in 2018 with modest increases between now and 2021. 
Chubb became the second of the Browns’ second-round picks this year when he was selected at No. 35 overall. After running for 1,345 yards in his final year at Georgia, Chubb holds promise as a solid all-round back at the pro level.
Many evaluators feel that Chubb is a jack of all trades, but a master of none. That’s not necessarily a major dig on Chubb, given that many running back prospects have struggled with ball security and other basics in the NFL. However, he doesn’t profile as the fastest back in the league and his lack of usage on passing downs in college leaves some mystery about his ball-catching and blocking abilities.
Fortunately for the Browns, they already have a dynamic pass-catching back in Duke Johnson and an established runner in Carlos Hyde. Chubb won’t be tasked with a large workload right off of the bat, which should allow him room to progress at a reasonable pace.
As shown on PFR’s draft pick signing tracker, the Browns have just two picks left to go in No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield and No. 4 overall choice Denzel Ward.
OBJ No-Shows Giants OTAs
Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. no-showed the Giants’ practices on Monday, as Ryan Dunleavy of NJ.com writes. That’s potentially a bad sign for the team as the club’s mandatory three-day minicamp kicks off next week. 
[RELATED: Pat Shurmur Giving Eli Apple Clean Slate]
While OTAs are voluntary, abstaining from mandatory minicamp would mean that OBJ would be on the hook for significant fines. A $70K fine should be enough to motivate Beckham to show, but that’s also relative chump change when considering the type of contract he’s trying to elicit from the Giants.
Beckham, who is slated to make $8.45MM this season, is pushing for a multi-year contract that would likely reset the market for wide receivers. It’s safe to say that deal would be worth roughly $90MM and there has been talk of a mega deal that could approach $100MM. Earlier this year, Bucs standout Mike Evans inked a $82.5MM deal ($38.3MM in full guarantees) with the Bucs, which sets a very favorable comp for OBJ.
Beckham has been working out in the Los Angeles area this offseason, but he’s scheduled to return to New Jersey on June 16 and 17 for a youth football camp. The Giants’ mandatory camp will take place from June 12-14.